WAUSAU - A new restaurant has opened up in the former Eagle's Nest on Grand Avenue.

Ravioli's, a restaurant serving homemade Italian food, opened its doors at 2105 Grand Ave. about three weeks ago and has seen plenty of business since, according to the owners.

The name of the new restaurant might seem familiar to some — Ravioli's originally opened about three years ago in Weston, but closed unexpectedly due to issues with the building, said Nick Andron, who is the restaurant's manager.

Andron and Louie Mena, who serves as the restaurant's head chef, said they are overjoyed to be serving the Wausau community fresh Italian food again.

Ravioli's is focused on bringing a lower price to the table than some Italian eateries. Customers can snag a full lunch or dinner for as low as $6.95.

Mena, who does most of the cooking at the restaurant, said he has been cooking since a very young age.

"He learned to cook before he started walking," Andron said, joking with Mena. "His mom started sun-drying tomatoes, and that's where he got his start."

Now Mena makes meals by hand, crafted from recipes he has perfected throughout his life. Red sauce, white sauce and pasta are just a few of his specialties.

Andron and Mena said they are excited for business in their new location — and to become part of the Wausau community.

"Wausau is growing," Andron said. "And we're trying to grow with it."

Carissa Solimene, a waitress at the restaurant, can be found at the restaurant most mornings, cheerily chatting with customers as she takes their orders and suggests her favorite dishes. She said she applied for the job because it was close to home in Wausau, and now she's enjoying every minute of work.